Dry Mouth Symptoms and QOL after Radiation Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Abstract

Radiation therapy is frequently performed for patients with head and neck cancer. Dysgeusia, dry mouth, and mucositis are possible adverse events of radiation therapy, since the oral cavity and salivary glands are often within the irradiated area. These complications can become serious problems for head and neck cancer patients. Here, we examined improvements and the current state of xerostomia symptoms in head and neck cancer patients who have undergone radiation therapy.